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- Fight against ‘judicial activism’ to continue despite election
- Catholic bishops pass guidelines to gay ministry
- Gay rights leader says election produced solid gains for gay community
- Mass. lawmakers delay decision to put same-sex marriage amendment on ballot
- HIV patients live years after diagnosis
- Houston landscaper accused of refusing service to gay couple
- National News Briefs
- World News Briefs
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Queer Abby
Published Thursday, 16-Nov-2006 in issue 986
It’s hard to believe I’m writing my November column, considering it’s been so insanely warm here in San Diego. Last week, I was walking my friend’s dogs in 80-something-degree heat, and I actually witnessed someone putting Christmas lights up on their house! As someone who hails from the East Coast, that experience was bizarre for me. But considering I’ve been living in San Diego for six years now, I guess I should just break down and accept that sometimes, on the West Coast, Santa arrives on a surfboard.
We are officially into the holiday season now. Days are shorter, Rite Aid in Hillcrest is stocked with Christmas stuff, and I am preparing to fly back to New York next week for Thanksgiving. And so, with the holidays clearly on my mind, I’ve decided to compile a small list of things I am thankful for this holiday season.
Turkey Day should be a time of reflection, so here are some things I am oh-so-grateful for this November:
Britney dumped K-Fed: Can we all give a resounding “Amen!” for that one? It’s hard to believe she lasted as long as she did in that “marriage.” But now that K-Fed’s debut album is bombing and he’s having trouble selling concert tickets, it seems only appropriate that she dump the bum and stage an official comeback. Britney’s recent appearance on “Letterman” proves that her stylists finally gave her a much-needed overhaul and set her back on the path to pop-music domination. Pretty soon, Brit will be back to being the hard-bodied star we’re used to seeing and K-Fed will fade into nothingness. I love it. Somewhere in the world, Shar Jackson is having the best freakin’ Thanksgiving of her life. You go, girls!
Nancy Pelosi becomes the first female speaker of the House: OK, so maybe this should have taken the No. 1 spot on my list, but I have an affinity for pop culture. As you already know, the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives and the Senate on Election Day, and Nancy Pelosi is now breaking ground for women everywhere. This is fantastic news and, without a doubt, Hillary Clinton is taking notes as she decides whether or not to run in 2008. On Election Day, Pelosi said: “Today the American people voted for change, and they voted for Democrats to take our country in a new direction. That’s exactly what we intend to do.” It is great to see a woman in power standing confidently, as Bush quietly places his tail between his legs.
An Inconvenient Truth is released on DVD: I haven’t seen this highly-controversial documentary yet, but I will be renting it this weekend. Environmentalist groups everywhere are encouraging people to share this film by holding screenings and encouraging conversation about global warming. I am always inspired by films that shed light on topics that are kept under wraps by the old white men that run our government, and this is why An Inconvenient Truth lands on my thankfulness list. Rent it today!
Siren… still going strong: On the local tip, I have to note that I am extremely thankful that Siren Open Mic for Women is still going strong, thanks to the efforts of Emily Foster and her support team. My partner and I started Siren a few years ago, and couldn’t host it anymore due to our personal performance schedule. Just when I thought it was going to go under, Emily stepped up and offered to take over the event and host it at the Rubber Rose in North Park. Thanks to her tireless work, Siren is still in effect and serving as a safe haven for the women of San Diego to share their music, spoken word and opinions. Siren takes place on the first Thursday of every month, and is definitely an event you should check out if you haven’t done so yet. Thanks, Emily!
Without a doubt, I’m sure you have your own thankfulness list this holiday season. I encourage you to take note of the things you’re grateful for and to thank the people who have helped make those things possible. In our modern world, it is so easy to get caught up in the materialism of the holidays and forget about the message of love, community and peace that exists beneath the lights, gifts and parties. Take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for this year and what you would like to accomplish in the year to come. And when you’re done with that, make sure to send Britney Spears a message on Myspace.com letting her know how proud of her you are! Ha ha! Only kidding. Or am I?
In other holiday news, there are some great events taking place around town in the coming months. Here are a few you might like to check out…
The Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego presents Nutcracker: Men in Tights, a delightfully queer take on a holiday classic. It seems the lovely ballerinas of the Hillcrest Academy of Tap, Ballet and Decoupage were detained at the border after traveling to Tijuana for a bachelorette party, so Madame Anastasia must again send in the handsome men of the ballet troupe to perform all the Nutcracker roles. Trust me, you’ve never seen a Sugar Plum Fairy quite like this one! Tickets are $30 to $35, and discounts are available for seniors, students, military and GMCSD 15th anniversary season subscribers. Tickets can be purchased from chorus members, at Arts Tix booths and at Obelisk Bookstore in Hillcrest. Nutcracker: Men in Tights runs Dec. 16-17 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s Sherwood Auditorium, located at 700 Prospect St. in La Jolla.
You are invited to “Come Home for the Holidays!” at The Center’s annual holiday party on Dec. 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Center, along with more than 30 community and/or faith-based organizations, will come together to put on a fantastic holiday fete for our GLBT community. This community event will feature great food, a no-host bar, music and a candle-lighting ceremony. This event is free. However, The Center asks that guests bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Imperial Court’s annual Toy Drive. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the holidays with your “family!” The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.
Balboa Park’s “December Nights,” one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday events, takes place Dec. 1-2 this year. The event features sparkling lights, color and music with traditional celebrations and holiday-themed entertainment areas. In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both nights. The largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights attracted more than 250,000 visitors in 2005. Take advantage of this free, festive event. It is truly special.
Feel like giving back during the season of giving? Support Mama’s Kitchen and commemorate World AIDS Day at the 15th annual Tree of Life Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Dec. 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Village Hillcrest retail center. This is one of San Diego’s biggest observances of World AIDS Day, an international day of remembrance for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. For event information, call (619) 233-6262 or e-mail jennifer@mamaskitchen.org.
Happy Thanksgiving! I’ll see you next month!
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